How is Revit beneficial to achieve efficiency in Plumbing Design

How is Revit beneficial to achieve efficiency in Plumbing Design

The Building Information Model has been a tremendous boon for the construction sector specifically for the MEP professionals. It helps them design, detail, and document the building systems more efficiently. It also makes it possible for them to improve accuracy, reduce and resolve clashes, and optimize building systems design

One key component of the MEP discipline is the plumbing designs. Plumbing systems are important to enhance the comfort of the building occupant as well as increase the overall lifecycle of the building. BIM, more precisely Revit has various workflows that can automate for a quicker, more efficient way of plumbing design. Below we look at how Revit can aid in improving plumbing design as well as its other potential benefits.

How does Revit improve Plumbing Design?

1. 3D Model: In the virtual 3D model the plumbing systems can be seen and observed from different angles and planes to develop plumbing isometrics. By visualizing in 3D over 2D, MEP professionals can easily detect clashes and improve the overall coordination of the plumbing systems in association with other building components like ducts, beams, etc.

2. Streamlines Process: By getting an accurate and detailed plumbing layout right from the planning phase, precise cost estimations can be calculated. Also, by using Navisworks clash detection can be carried out preventing any costly errors and drastic changes in material quantities. MEP Shop Drawing Services can be used to extract 2D Drawings for on-site installation of the plumbing systems.

3. Revit Families: The families function in Revit allows the creation of 3D parametric objects. They can either be pre-existing system families, customizable loadable families, or in-place families that can be modelled according to the project’s unique requirements. Revit families improve operational efficiency, allows for quick customization, improves visualization, etc. In plumbing where there are a lot of repetitive design components Revit families that can directly be imported from a ready-made library or can be created once and inserted as required can save a lot of time and reduce repetitive work.

4. Coordinating Underground Routing: The underground plumbing lines are located in association with the building’s structural foundations. With BIM the plumbing designer can collaborate with structural engineers to mark the building’s footings. They can coordinate underground routing, detect any interference between plumbing systems and structural elements, ensure that proper tolerances are being given, etc. Revit also by coordinating underground routing enables the identification of the exact site so that the sewage system can be laid out efficiently and that there is no damage to the structural integrity of the building.

5.  It improves sustainability: With BIM it is easy to identify the systems in LEED plumbing design by using the different color systems. Color Variations can be used to identify greywater routing and also helps prevent cross-contamination with other waste systems. Revit also allows us to experiment with different materials like solar panels, or figure out optimum water flow that can save water.

What are some common guidelines to keep in mind?

Plumbing designs are not simple and they account for a lot of components in the overall building design like slopped piping, drain vents, storm pipes, etc. To design, pre-fabricate, assemble, and install these components can be a time-consuming process. Revit, fortunately, provides some valuable tools, and options which lead to an increase in speed and efficiency. Here are some basic guidelines:

1. How to save time?

With Revit Families a lot of working time can be reduced by saving common design components that could be used later. Revit Families as stated above can be used to insert system, loadable or inbuilt parametric components as per project requirements and reduce repetitive tasks. With enhanced collaboration, everyone can stay on the same page and keep track of changes in real-time. Here everyone doesn’t need to individually updated and there are also no errors arising out of miscommunication. Also since clashes have detected before the actual construction there are no problems that arise on site which leads to waste of time and resources. Finally, with Revit, it is easy to make quick modifications, where a change in one component of the model makes consequent changes in certain related components. These modifications are also reflected in all the 2D documentation extracted from the Revit Model.

2. How to Improve Visibility?

Revit 3D model allows a holistic view of the plumbing system from all angles. It also makes it possible to check for any hidden or misplaced elements in the floor plan. By selecting the ‘Beyond’ mode available in the visibility option, the line of work gets expanded making it easy to visualize out-of-line elements in the form of a dashed line. The in-built filters can be used to differentiate between plumbing equipment and pipes. Finally, the underlay option found in the properties dialogue box can be used to see the piping or plumbing equipment beneath the floor. Enhanced visibility improves coordination, reduces clashes, and facilitates easy decision making.

3. How to maintain plumbing systems?

Once the building has been constructed the next step is to properly maintain the plumbing. Here, MEP BIM Services can be used to create an as-built BIM model with all the necessary information. By having the location, asset numbers, manufacture’s details the facility manager can easily schedule maintenance, ensure that they are working smoothly, make regular updates, or easily repair these systems.

Conclusion:

BIM is a modern and efficient way to design a plumbing system. It enables the design project managers to improve collaboration, share data, and reduce project delivery time from design to construction. By going to Revit way AEC firms can improve accuracy, save time, and optimizes the design project.

Author